Sport: EAP cricketers remain winless

East Asia Pacific are still searching for their first win at the Australian Country Cricket Championships after a three wicket defeat by Victoria Country in Bendigo.

Papua New Guinea batsmen Dogodo Bau top-scored with 48 as the EAP team posted 194 for 8 from their 50 overs.

Josh Rasu from Vanuatu chimed in with 34 while PNG's Joel Tom continued his strong tournament with an unbeaten 30.

In reply, Vanuatu's Jelany Chilia, Fiji's Viliame Yakabi and Nosaina Pokana from PNG all claimed two wickets but couldn't prevent Victoria reaching their target with one over to spare.

The EAP team have mixed three defeats with one draw over the past week but assistant coach Shane Jurgensen says the players have gained plenty from the experience.

"The opportunity for these boys to play longer version cricket, which is the great battle of the mental side of cricket. I think alot of the boys have learnt a lot in that area and how to approach the game and that's been a big learning curve for all thees boys. Unfortunately, we've sort of lost wickets at times and around those crucial times of the games it has probably cost us but at the same time they are learning about it. Each game I think we've improved and even the bowling at times we haven't quite got it right but as I've said, it's been improving every game".

The EAP team play their final match of the tournament on Monday, a one-dayer against New South Wales Country.

Papua New Guinea cricketer Dogodo Bau playing for East Asia Pacific at the Australian Country Championships. Photo: ICC East Asia Pacific